Laparoscopic forceps assembly for gripping and dissection

ABSTRACT

A surgical device comprising: (a) a first jaw; (b) a second jaw opposing the first jaw, the first jaw, the second jaw, or both being movable relative to one another between a jaw nominal position and a jaw clamped position; (c) a clamp lever in communication with the first jaw and the second jaw, the clamp lever moving the first jaw, the second jaw, or both from the jaw nominal position to the jaw clamped position when an external force is imparted upon the clamp lever in a first direction; and (d) a stop bias member that stops movement of the clamp lever when the external force is removed so that the first jaw and the second jaw are in the jaw nominal position at rest; wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are movable from the jaw nominal position to a jaw spread position when the clamp lever is moved in a second direction that opposes the first direction by an external force deforming the stop bias member so that a distance between the first jaw and the second jaw is larger in the jaw spread position than in the jaw nominal position.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to forceps with a nominal position where jaws ofthe forceps are movable to a clamped position and then into a spreadposition where a distance between the jaws is greater than a distancebetween the jaws in the nominal position. .

BACKGROUND

Generally forceps may be utilized for laparoscopic surgery. The forcepsmay be used to control delicate movements inside a patient. Theseforceps may be used to grip an anatomical feature. The forceps mayinclude a gripping assembly or a cutting assembly. The forceps mayinclude electrical energy for use in the gripping assembly. Laparoscopicforceps may have resilient jaws or rigid body jaws for gripping andtreating tissues. Movement of a trigger may close the jaws to create agripping force. The resilient jaws may be closed by a tube overrunningthe jaws or the jaws being retracted into a tube so that the tube isclosed. The rigid body jaws may be closed by a driver moving that isconnected to the jaws and as the driver moves the jaws are biased into aclosed position. Examples of some forceps with resilient jaws closed bya camming action may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,887,612; 5,286,255;5,354,313; 5,735,849; 5,445,638; 5,984,938; 6,190,386; 6,113,596;6,458,130; 6,679,882; 7,118,587; 9,216,030; and 9,788,848 all of whichare incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

It would be attractive for the forceps to be usable for bluntdissection. What is needed is a device that assists in driving the jawsapart so that a distance between the jaws is increased relative to a jawnominal position or a default position. What is needed is a device thatallows the user to spread the jaws apart when the jaws are in the jawnominal position. It would be attractive to have a device that spreadsthe jaws with sufficient force so that the jaws can be used fordissection. What is needed is a device that returns the jaws back to ajaw nominal position once a force is released.

SUMMARY

The disclosure meets one or more of the needs by providing: A surgicaldevice comprising: (a) a first jaw; (b) a second jaw opposing the firstjaw, the first jaw, the second jaw, or both being movable relative toone another between a jaw nominal position and a jaw clamped position;(c) a clamp lever in communication with the first jaw and the secondjaw, the clamp lever moving the first jaw, the second jaw, or both fromthe jaw nominal position to the jaw clamped position when an externalforce is imparted upon the clamp lever in a first direction; and (d) astop member that stops movement of the clamp lever when the externalforce is removed so that the first jaw and the second jaw are in the jawnominal position at rest; wherein the first jaw and the second jaw aremovable from the jaw nominal position to a jaw spread position when theclamp lever is moved in a second direction that opposes the firstdirection by an external force deforming the stop bias member so that adistance between the first jaw and the second jaw is larger in the jawspread position than in the jaw nominal position.

The teachings herein provide forceps usable for blunt dissection. Theteachings herein provide a device that assists in biasing the jaws apartso that a distance between the jaws is increased relative to a jawnominal position or a default position. The teachings herein provide adevice that allows the user to spread the jaws apart when the jaws arein the jaw nominal position. The teachings herein provide a device thatspreads the jaws with sufficient force so that the jaws can be used fordissection. The teachings herein provide a device that returns the jawsback to a jaw nominal position once a force is released.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of laparoscopic forceps with resilientjaws;

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of laparoscopic forceps with rigid bodyjaws

FIG. 2A illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the housing of theforceps of FIG. 1A when the jaws are in the jaw nominal position.

FIG. 2B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the housing of theforceps when the jaws are in the jaw clamped position.

FIG. 2C illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the housing of theforceps when the jaws are in the jaw spread position.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a stylet and jaws with the jaws ofthe forceps in a jaw nominal position;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the jaws of the forceps in a jaw clampedposition; and

FIG. 3C is a side view of the jaws of the forceps in a jaw spreadposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present teachings as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachingsshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as willbe gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporatedby reference into this written description.

The present teachings provide a surgical device. The surgical devicefunctions to grip an anatomical feature (e.g, a vein, artery, tissue,tumor, cyst, skin, muscle, a tendon, gland, tonsils, appendix, gallbladder); cut an anatomical feature, cauterize anatomical feature, or acombination thereof. The surgical device may assist in performingminimally invasive surgery. The surgical device may be anelectrosurgical device. The surgical device may include one or moreblades, one or more forceps, or both. Preferably, the surgical deviceincludes an elongated stylet with forceps at an end and a reciprocatingblade.

The forceps may function to grip an object. Preferably, the forceps maybe used during surgery to grip a feature of interest including: a partof a body, an anatomical feature, tissue, veins, arteries, or acombination thereof. The forceps may function to be used in surgery, forexample laparoscopic surgery. The forceps may be used with or withoutpower. Current may be passed through the forceps so that the forceps areused for electrosurgery. For example, a therapy current may be passedfrom one jaw to a second jaw when tissue is located within the jaw andthe therapy current may coagulate blood, cauterize, cut, or acombination thereof (e.g., bipolar electrosurgery). In another example,a therapy current may be passed from one or more of the jaws to a remoteelectrode (e.g., a return pad) (e.g., for monopolar electrosurgery). Theforceps may generally include one or more working assemblies andsufficient controls to work the one or more assemblies (e.g., actuators,jaws). The forceps may be comprised of parts needed to perform therecited functions and may include generally, a stylet (e.g., a tubularmember, a hollow tube, or an assembly of tubes); a hand piece; one ormore operable mechanisms (e.g., actuators, bias members, triggers) usedto actuate the stylet, blade, or jaws; or a combination thereof. Theforceps may include two or more jaws that are movable directly towardsand away from each other in a single plane. The jaws may rotate about arotational axis so that the jaws rotate towards and away from each otheralong an arc. The jaws may rotate about a hinge that located at a distalend of the stylet. The jaws may have a rigid body. The jaws may rotateabout a pivot. The jaws may be a rigid body that rotates about a pivot.Both jaws may be actuated by a jaw arm that is connected to each of thejaws and actuates both jaws. An axis of the jaws may remainsubstantially planar at all times (i.e., an end of the jaws may remaingenerally within a plane at all times). A tip may of the jaws may havean arcuate movement so that the forceps create a jaw clamped position.The handpiece may be an assembly of parts or structures capable offorming a handpiece structure with a cavity inside of a housing.

The handpiece may function to form an enclosing structure for theforceps, a gripping portion for the user, a main portion formanipulating the forceps, or a combination thereof. The handpiece may beany device that houses the working assemblies and parts of the forceps.The handpiece may be comprised of or include one or more housingstructures. Preferably, the handpiece is or includes two or more housingstructures that house a plurality of moving parts of the surgicaldevice. The handpiece may be any structure that is gripped by a user.The handpiece may be any structure that combines one or more of thecomponents discussed herein so that the surgical device is formed andthe forceps may be actuated. The handpiece may assist in performinglaparoscopic surgery. The handpiece may be ergonomically shaped. Theergonomic shape of the handpiece may be any shape so that the forcepsmay be used ambidextrously. The ergonomic shape of the handpiece may beany shape such that all the controls can be accessed by a single handgripping the handpiece. The handpiece may be a generally static piecethat the occupant grips and manipulates to perform one or more surgicalfunctions or procedures. The handpiece may house all or apportion of afixed handle, trigger, clamp lever, rounding member, actuator, returnbias member, stop bias member, movement actuator, stylet, outer tube,inner tube, or a combination thereof. The handpiece may be comprised ofone or more housings.

The housing may be one or more devices or pieces that form thehandpiece. The housing may be an outer structure that forms an externalportion of a handpiece. The housing may be any devices that may affixcertain pieces into position. The housing may form a cavity to houseworking assemblies of the forceps, surgical device, or both. The housingmay be one or more housings and preferably two or more housings. The twohousings may join together to form a single housing structure. Thehousings may be any device that includes a recess for receiving one ormore components of the forceps. The housings may be a static piece thata user grips and other portions of the surgical device may move relativeto the housings. The housing structures may house all or a portion ofone or more operable mechanisms (e.g., a trigger, clamp lever, actuator,return bias member, stop bias member, movement actuator, stylet, outertube, inner tube, or a combination thereof). All or a portion of thehousings may combine together to form a fixed handle.

The fixed handle may function to support the device so that the user(e.g., a surgeon) may grip the fixed handle to perform a surgery. Thefixed handle may function to assist a user in creating movement of oneor more adjacent parts (e.g., a trigger or clamp lever). The fixedhandle may connect the surgical device to a power source. The fixedhandle may extend downward from a main portion of the surgical device.The fixed handle may extend at an angle relative to the stylet. Thefixed handle may include one or more locks. The one or more locks maylock the trigger, clamp lever, or both in a position relative to thefixed handle (e.g., so that the blade, forceps, stylet, or a combinationthereof may be locked in a position (e.g., a closed or clampedposition)). The fixed handle may be hollow. The fixed handle may beformed from part of the housing. The fixed handle may be static so thatupon an application of force to a trigger, a clamp lever, or bothrotational movement towards or away from the fixed handle may beimparted.

The trigger may function to actuate one or more blades. The trigger mayhave a portion located within the housing and a portion that extends outof the housing. The trigger may rotate in a rotational movement (e.g.,an arc) towards and away from the fixed handle. The trigger may bemovable into a trigger extended position where the trigger is moved toextend a blade. The trigger in a trigger extended position where thetrigger is moved towards the fixed handle and the blade is moved axiallytoward a distal end of the stylet. The trigger may be located proximateto, in front of alongside of, extend in front of, or a combination thereof a clamp lever.

The clamp lever may function to actuate the forceps. The clamp lever maymove a jaw arm that moves the forceps. The clamp lever may axially movethe forceps distally, proximally, or both relative to the stylet, thesurgical device, or both. The clamp lever may move the forceps into thestylet, out of the stylet, or both. The clamp lever may move the forcepsfrom a jaw nominal position to a jaw clamped position, a jaw spreadposition, or both. The clamp lever may be at rest at a jaw nominalposition (e.g., no force may be acting upon the clamp lever). The clamplever may have one or more forces acting upon the clamp lever or acomponent of the clamp lever (e.g., a movement actuator (e.g., a portionof an operable mechanism, a four-bar mechanism)) but the forces may beat steady state where the clamp lever is retained in a non-movementstate. For example, the return bias member and the stop bias member maycontact the movement actuator and hold the movement actuator and theclamp lever in the clamp lever nominal position. The clamp lever mayrest at a zero-net force or no net force position. For example, theforce of the return bias member and the stop bias member may offset eachother to form a zero bias. The clamp lever nominal position may functionto be a position where the clamp lever stops when forces external to thesurgical device are removed. Each of the components of the surgicaldevice may have a nominal position. The nominal position of the devicemay be when clamp lever is free of any external forces and thus are atrest. If a discussion herein relates to a component then that componenthas a nominal position (e.g., clamp lever nominal position). The clamplever nominal position may be a position of the clamp lever where theclamp lever is located between a clamp lever clamped position and aclamp lever spread position. The clamp lever may be locked in theclamped position or closed position. The force of the return bias memberand the force of the stop bias member may offset each other so that theclamp lever, the movement actuator, or both may be retained in a restposition (e.g., a jaw nominal position or a clamp lever nominalposition). The return bias member and the stop bias member may eachinclude a bias on the movement actuator, the clamp lever, or both. Theclamp lever when moved towards the fixed handle may act upon the returnbias member so that the return bias member is moved distally,compressed, deflected, loaded, or a combination thereof. The clamp levermay rotate about a pivot, move a four-bar mechanism, or both. The clamplever may be connected to an operable mechanism or four bar mechanism astaught herein including the teachings found in U.S. Ser. No. 15/839,218,filed on Dec. 12, 2017 (1663.114US1), the teachings of which areexpressly incorporated herein for all purposes regarding the operablemechanism and the four bar mechanism.

The operable mechanism may function to move the jaws upon movement ofthe clamp lever. The operable mechanism may include one or more links orbars. The operable mechanism may be an actuator, a four-bar mechanism,or both. The operable mechanism may include one or more movementactuators, one or more housings, one or more couplers, clamp lever, or acombination thereof. The operable mechanism may be a direct connectionbetween the clamp lever and the jaw arms. The operable mechanism mayhave a movement actuator that is located between the clamp lever and thejaw arms. The clamp lever may move a movement actuator and the movementactuator may move the jaw arms. The clamp lever may be directlyconnected to a coupler. The coupler may be located between the movementactuator and clamp lever. The coupler may move an end of a movementactuator so that the jaw arms are axially moved. The coupler, clamplever, movement actuator, or a combination thereof may each move about arotational axis. The clamp lever, the movement actuator, or both may beconnected to the housing by one or more grounding members. The couplermay float between the clamp lever and the movement actuator.

The operable mechanism may have a vertical nominal axis, a horizontalnominal axis, or both. The vertical nominal axis may extendperpendicular to a horizontal nominal axis. The vertical nominal axismay be a longitudinal axis of the movement actuator, clamp lever,coupler, or a combination thereof when the movement actuator, jaws,clamp lever, coupler, or a combination thereof are in the nominalposition (e.g., jaw nominal position). The movement actuator, coupler,clamp lever, or a combination thereof may move relative to the verticalnominal axis to open the jaws, clamp the jaws, spread the jaws, or acombination thereof. The movement actuator, coupler, clamp lever, or acombination thereof may move from the vertical nominal axis to a clampedaxis, a spread axis, or both. The movement actuator, coupler, clamplever, or a combination thereof may rotate relative to each other sothat an angle between each of the members varies when the jaws are movedfrom the jaw nominal position to a jaw clamped position; a jaw nominalposition to a jaw spread position; or a jaw clamped position to a jawspread position. The angles may be about 5 degrees or more, about 10degrees or more, about 15 degrees or more, about 30 degrees or more,about 45 degrees or more, or about 60 degrees or more. The angles may beabout 180 degrees or less, about 160 degrees or less, about 135 degreesor less, about 105 degrees or less, or about 90 degrees or less. Theclamp lever when moved towards the fixed handle (e.g., moved proximallyor towards the jaw clamped position) may distally axially move theforceps toward an end of the surgical device, close the forceps, causegripping of the forceps, or a combination thereof. The clamp lever whenmoved in a way clamped position may be located proximate to or incontact with the fixed handle.

The clamp lever clamped position may be a position where the clamp leverfunctions to clamp the forceps. The clamp lever when moved proximally,towards the jaw clamped position, may cause the forceps to extend out ofthe stylet, outer tube, inner tube, or a combination thereof; close thejaws; move the jaw arm, or a combination thereof. The clamp lever whenmoved proximally, towards the jaw clamped position, may cause theforceps to move proximally, a portion to extend into the stylet, or bothso that the jaws of the forceps are closed or create a gripping force.When the clamp lever is in the clamp lever clamped position, the forcepsmay be in the jaw clamped position and the jaws may grip tissue, afeature of interest, an anatomical feature, or a combination thereof.The clamp lever clamped position may cause the forceps to clamp. Theclamp lever in the clamp lever clamped position may have a forceimparted upon the clamp lever. The clamp lever clamped position may havea force created thereupon (e.g., either directly or indirectly) by thereturn bias member. The clamp lever clamped position may have the clamplever being free of a force (e.g., directly or indirectly) by the stopbias member. The clamp lever clamped position may be formed by movingthe clamp lever in a first direction. The clamp lever clamped positionmay be formed by moving the clamp lever towards the stop bias member,towards the return bias member, away from the stop bias member, awayfrom the return bias member, the movement actuator deflecting ordeforming the return bias member, the movement actuator deflecting ordeforming the stop bias member, or a combination thereof. The clamplever may include one or more surfaces. Preferably, the clamp lever hasa plurality of surfaces. For example, the clamp lever may have a firstsurface for moving the clamp lever proximally to clamp the jaws and asecond surface for moving the clamp lever distally to spread the jaws.The clamp lever in the clamp lever clamped position may move in a firstdirection and the clamp lever may move in a second opposing direction tothe clamp lever spread position.

The clamp lever spread position may be a position where the clamp leverfunctions to separate the jaws of the forceps beyond a jaw nominalposition. The clamp lever spread position may be a position where theclamp lever is moved closer to the fixed handle than the clamp lever inthe clamp lever clamped position. The clamp lever spread position may bea position where the clamp lever is moved farther from the fixed handlethan when the clamp lever is in the jaw clamped position, the jawnominal position, or both. The clamp lever spread position may be aposition where the clamp lever is moved away from the fixed handle. Theclamp lever spread position may move the jaws apart. The clamp leverspread position may move the jaws apart so that one or both jaws may beused for blunt dissection. In blunt dissection, the end effector orbodies may be placed into an area, such as an intended dissection plane,while in the closed position and then moved into an open position.Moving the end effector or bodies into the open position may cause thetop surface, the bottom surface, the side surfaces, the front surfaces,or a combination thereof to spread, move, and/or reposition a vessel ortissue. The clamp lever, the movement actuator, or both may pivot abouta grounding member when the clamp lever, the movement actuator aremoved.

The one or more grounding members function to connect all or a portionof one or more movable components (e.g., a trigger, clamp lever, fourbar mechanism, movement actuator, operable mechanism) of the surgicaldevice to a fixed portion of the surgical device so that one or bothends of the movable component may be prevented from translating, themovable component may move rotationally, or both. The one or moregrounding members may be part of the handle. The one or more groundingmembers may be part of the housing. The one or more grounding membersmay be part of the handpiece. The one or more grounding members may bepart of the stylet. The one or more grounding members may be part of thefixed handle. Preferably, the housing includes one or more moldedportions that connect to one or more movable components. Morepreferably, the one or more grounding members may connect to a trigger,clamp lever, movement actuator, actuator, four bar mechanism, operablemechanism, or a combination thereof. The one or more grounding membersmay connect to an end region or an end of a component (e.g., an endregion of a trigger, clamp lever, movement actuator) so that an opposingend may be movable. The grounding member may prevent movement of all ora portion of a component taught herein and an return bias mechanism,stop bias mechanism, or both may impart movement into a movable portionof the component (e.g., trigger, clamp lever, four bar mechanism,operable mechanism, movement actuator, actuator, or a combinationthereof).

The return bias member may function to return all or a portion of asurgical device to a nominal position (e.g., trigger, jaw, forceps,clamp lever, stylet, blade). The device may include one or more returnbias members. The surgical device may include a plurality of return biasmembers. Preferably, each component of the surgical device when incontact with a return bias member is only in contact with a singlereturn bias member. The return bias member may move or clamp lever awayfrom a fixed handle. The return bias member may move forceps from aclamped position, a spread position, or both to a nominal position. Thereturn bias member may assist in actuating one or more assemblies. Thereturn bias member may return the one or more assemblies to a neutralposition and/or a resting position after actuation. The return biasmember may be any device that biases the tubular member and/or stylet toa resting position so that when the tubular member and/or stylet isactuated and released from actuation the tubular member and/or styletreturns back to a resting position. The return bias member may actuate afour bar mechanism, an operable mechanism, a forceps, a blade, a stylet,a movement actuator, an actuator, or a combination thereof eitherdirectly or indirectly. The return bias member may be and/or include abiasing member (e.g., a spring structure, an elastic member, acompressible member, a stretchable member, rubber, a rubber grommet, anystructure that can be compressed and released, or a combinationthereof). The return bias member may be a return spring. The return biasmember when the device is in a nominal position may be free of any load.The return bias member when the device is in a nominal position may bepre-loaded. For example, the return bias member may impart some loadupon the actuator, movement actuator, trigger, clamp lever, or acombination thereof even when the device is in the nominal position. Inthe nominal position, any pre-load on the return bias member may bematched by a preload on the stop bias member. The return bias member mayapply a force or a pre-load of about 0.5 N or more, about 1 N or more,about 1.5 N or more, or about 2 N or more. The return bias member mayapply a force or pre-load of about 10 N or less, about 7 N or less, orabout 5 N or less. The return mechanism may be connected to a proximalend of a stylet, a tubular member, a blade, forceps, a blade shaft,forceps shafts, stylet, or a combination thereof. A proximal end of thetubular member may be disposed in the cavity of the hand piece and oneor more functional assemblies (e.g., a gripping assembly, a cuttingassembly, or both) may be located at a distal end of the stylet, tubularmember, or both. The return bias member may be located on a distal sideof an actuator, a movement actuator, or both. The return bias member maybe located between a collar on a stylet, forceps, blade, or acombination thereof and a movement actuator. The return bias member maybe compressed, deformed, deflected, or a combination thereof when thetrigger, clamp lever, or both are moved towards the jaw clampedposition, the fixed handle, or both. The return bias member may move theclamp lever towards a nominal position. The return bias member may belocated opposite a stop bias member.

The stop bias member may function to stop clamp lever, actuator,movement actuator, or a combination thereof in their respective nominalpositions; oppose a return bias member force; or both. The stop biasmember may stop the actuator, movement actuator, clamp lever, or acombination thereof at a nominal position. The stop bias member mayprovide a force that opposes a force of the return bias member. The stopbias member may be compressible, deformable, deflectable, or acombination thereof. The stop bias member in its nominal position may behave a pre-load, no load, have a positive pre-load, a negative pre-load,or a combination thereof. The bias stop member may be located on aproximal side of the movement actuator. The bias stop member may be madeof the same material as the return bias member. The bias stop member maybe a spring structure, an elastic member, a compressible member, astretchable member, rubber, a rubber grommet, any structure that can becompressed and released, or a combination thereof. The bias stop memberpreferably is a spring. The bias stop member may apply a force or apre-load of about 0.5 N or more, about 1 N or more, about 1.5 N or more,or about 2 N or more. The bias stop member may apply a force or pre-loadof about 10 N or less, about 7 N or less, or about 5 N or less. A forceor pre-load of the bias stop member may equal a force or pre-load of thereturn bias member when both are in a nominal position. The bias stopmember may be movable or compressible so that the trigger or clamp levermay be over rotated to allow the jaws, forceps, or both to spread uponan application of force that overcomes the force of the bias stopmember, the pre-load, or both. The stop bias member may be fixed withina surgical device. One side of a stop bias member may be movable and oneside of a stop bias member may be fixed or in contact with an immovablemember. For example, the stop bias member may be located between aportion of the housing, that prevents movement of the stop bias member,and the movement actuator, which may move a portion of the stop biasmember. The stop bias member may be one or more bias stop members. Thebias stop member may be a plurality of bias stop members. For example,the bias stop member may be two springs that are concentric and thefirst spring may provide a first amount of force or resistance and asecond spring may provide a greater amount of resistance. Each bias stopmember may increase in resistance as the trigger, clamp lever, or bothare moved axially relative to the bias stop member (e.g., in a proximaldirection). The one or more stop bias members may impart a force upon amovement actuator. The one or more stop bias members may deflect,compress, deform, or a combination thereof to stop the movement actuator(and attached components such as a clamp lever and forceps) at a nominalposition.

The movement actuator may function to axially move the forceps, blade,stylet, or a combination thereof. The movement actuator may function toclose the forceps, open the forceps, or both. The movement actuator maybe directly connected to the trigger, the clamp lever, or both. Themovement actuator may be indirectly connected to the trigger, clamplever, or both. The movement actuator may be part of an operablemechanism or four bar mechanism as taught herein. The movement actuatormay move along an arc. The movement actuator may have one fixed end orfixed end region and one movable end or movable end region. The movableend may be moved by a trigger or clamp lever, a link that connects thetrigger or clamp lever to the movement actuator, or a combinationthereof. The fixed end or fixed end region may be connected to agrounding member of the surgical device, handpiece, housing, or acombination thereof.

The grounding member may function to prevent axial or longitudinalmovement of a movement actuator but permit rotational movement. Thegrounding member may connect an end or end region of a movement actuatorto a housing or handpiece so that a portion of grounding member is fixed(e.g., laterally, longitudinally, axially) relative to the handpiece,housing, or both. The grounding member may act as a bearing surface. Thegrounding member may allow for or assist in rotational movement of themovement actuator so that the movement actuator axially moves theforceps, blade, stylet, or a combination thereof. The grounding membermay be portion of the housing that extends orthogonal to the housing.The grounding member may extend into a portion of the movement actuator.The grounding member may hold one end or end region of a movementactuator so that the movement actuator when moved, moves the forceps,stylet, blade, or a combination thereof.

The forceps may function to grip, hold, move, adjust, pull, remove, or acombination thereof an anatomical feature, tissue, a feature ofinterest, or a combination thereof. The forceps may include one or morejaws and the jaws may rotate about a hinge. The forceps may include aramp or bump that when the forceps are axially moved towards the outertube or stylet the forceps are compressed to create a gripping force.The stylet or outer tube may over run the forceps to close the forceps.The jaws may be free of a ramp or bump. Preferably, the forceps arerigid body jaws that are rotated about a pivot by a jaw arm. Preferably,the jaws are longitudinally static and rotationally move by a forcegenerated by a jaw arm. The forceps may be connected to an end of thestylet. The forceps may have a portion that is connected to an end of astylet and a portion that extends through the stylet. The forceps mayinclude serrations, be smooth, have teeth, or a combination hereof. Theforceps may include a groove that a blade extends through to cut ananatomical feature, tissue, a feature of interest, or a combinationthereof held between the forceps. The forceps may have fixed ends at thestylet and may rotate about the fixed ends. The forceps may movelaterally towards and away from each other within a single plane. Theforceps may rotate about an axis. The forceps may be connected to thestylet.

The stylet as discussed herein may include a tubular member or may bethe tubular member. The stylet may include a tubular member (e.g., anouter tube) and an inner shaft, or inner tube. The stylet may include atubular member that extends around all or a portion of an inner tube.The tubular member may function to extend into a patient during asurgical procedure so that a user (i.e., surgeon) can perform one ormore surgical procedures. The tubular member may be flexible so that thetubular member may be moved within a patient. Preferably, the tubularmember may be substantially rigid so that the tubular member may bemoved to a desired location. The tubular member includes a distal endand a proximal end. The distal end may be an end of the tubular memberthat is located farthest from the hand piece (e.g., the end of thetubular member that is inserted into a patient). The proximal end of thetubular member may be the end of the tubular member located proximate tothe user, in the hand piece, or both. For example, the proximal end mayextend into the handpiece so that manipulation of the one or moreoperable mechanisms manipulates the tubular member. The tubular memberand its components may be made of any biocompatible material, forexample, stainless steel, plastic, a synthetic material, a naturalmaterial, or a combination thereof. The tubular member may comprise atubular member sub-assembly. The tubular member sub-assembly may includeone or more hollow tubes, one or more inner tubes, one or more outertubes, one or more gripping assemblies, one or more cutting assemblies,one or more rotation mechanisms, one or more operable mechanisms, one ormore camming shafts, one or more guides, one or more spacing members, ora combination thereof.

The one or more outer tubes may function to close the jaws, anchor thejaws, support the jaws, or a combination thereof. The one or more tubesmay function to protect the inner tube. The one or more jaws may moverelative to the inner tube, the outer tube, or both (e.g., pivot about).The one or more jaws may axially move towards the distal end and theproximal end during movement of the outer tube. The one or more outertubes, jaws, or both may be axially static. The one or more outer tubesmay connect the jaws together, connect to the jaws individually, assistin closing the jaws, support the jaws, or a combination thereof. The oneor more outer tubes may house one or more shafts (e.g., jaw arm) thatextend into contact with the jaws to open and close the jaws. The one ormore tubes may support the jaws in a cantilever position. The one ormore jaw arms may extend through the outer tube, an inner tube, or both.

The one or more inner tubes may function to create a point of contactfor one or more jaws. The one or more inner tubes may function toconnect to a shaft (e.g., camming shaft). The one or more inner tubesmay function to extend through all or a portion of the outer tube. Theone or more inner tubes may form a connection point, include aconnection feature (e.g., a pin, bolt, screw, rivet, or a combinationthereof) for one or more jaws. The connection feature may be a pivotthat the jaws rotate about relative to the one or more inner tubes. Theone or more inner tubes may connect to a pivot joint of one or more jawsso that the one or more jaws rotate about an axis. The one or more innertubes may assist in opening and closing the jaws. The one or more innertubes may be movable relative to an outer tube. The one or more innertubes may be static and an outer tube may be movable relative to theinner tube. Both an inner tube and an outer tube may be axially static.The one or more inner tubes may be substantially the same length as anouter tube. The one or more inner tubes may be shorter than an outertube. The one or more inner tubes may be in communication with a shaft(e.g., a shaft connected to each of the jaws, the blade, or both). Thestylet may be free of an inner tube. The one or more inner tubes may belocated between a tubular member and a hollow tube.

The two or more opposing jaws may function to create a gripping force.Two jaws when connected together may form forceps. The two or moreopposing jaws may move towards each other to create a gripping force, togrip a feature of interest, or both. The two or more opposing jaws maybe any devices that may be used to grip items of interest in surgery,for example laparoscopic surgery. The two or more opposing jaws mayfunction to be used to grip or clamp an item of interest, an anatomicalfeature, tissue, or a combination thereof for cutting or electricaltherapy (e.g., coagulation, cauterizing, electrically cutting). The twoor more opposing jaws may be any shape and size so that the jaws performa gripping function, create a gripping force, or both. Preferably, thetwo or more opposing jaws may be one jaw structure with another mirrorimage opposing jaw structure (i.e., identical) that when forced togethermay create a gripping function. The two opposing jaws may be any two ormore structures that may be movable relative to each other for perform agripping function. The two opposing jaws may be any structures that mayallow one jaw to be static and one jaw to be movable or any combinationthereof. The two opposing jaws may include a gap (e.g., a blade track)to allow for a cutting instrument to be inserted while retainingfunctionality of the two or more opposing jaws.

The two opposing jaws may be made of any material so that the twoopposing jaws may be used to create a gripping force. The two opposingjaws may be made of a flexible material, resilient material, rigidstainless steel, a plastically deformable material, an elasticallydeformable material, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the jaws aremade of a biocompatible material. More preferably, the jaws are made ofa material that conducts electricity. The two opposing jaws may be madeof a material that conducts electricity. The jaws may include aprotective cover.

The two opposing jaws may be used to apply electricity to a feature ofinterest that may be gripped by the two opposing jaws. The grippingportion of the two opposing jaws may have a surface texture to grip afeature of interest. For instance the surface texture may be smooth,flat, contoured, serrated, textured, include ridges, mouse teeth, or acombination thereof. Preferably, the gripping portion of the twoopposing jaws may have a serrated edge to allow for more securegripping. The two opposing jaws may have an edge with a surface that mayfunction similar to a serrated edge to allow for secure gripping. Thetwo opposing jaws may be biased from an open position to a closedposition by retraction of one of the one or more jaw shafts, movement ofthe one or more tubular members towards the distal end, or both along anaxis of the one or more tubular members. The two opposing jaws mayinclude a jaw bias mechanism (e.g., a return bias member and/or a stopbias member), be part of a jaw bias mechanism, or both. The two opposingjaws may have laterally extending arcuate sections at the proximal end(e.g., heel of the jaw) of the jaws that protrude out from the distalend of the tubular member. The jaws may be used for dissection. The jawsmay be a probe. The jaws may be spread apart to move tissue, ananatomical feature, a feature of interest, or a combination thereof. Thejaws may be connected together by one or more jaw arms.

The jaw arms may function to open, close, rotate, actuate, spread, or acombination thereof the jaws. The jaw arms may be connected to a singlejaw. The jaw arms may be connected to both jaws or all of the jaws. Thejaw arms may be in communication with the clamp lever so that when theclamp lever is moved the jaws are moved. The jaw arms may extend throughthe stylet or be part of the stylet. The jaw arms may be directlyconnected to the jaws, the clamp lever, or both. The jaw arms may beindirectly connected to the jaws, the clamp lever, or both. For example,the jaw arms may be connected to an operable mechanism that is connectedto the clamp lever. The jaw arms may be moved axially to move the jaws.The jaw arms may reciprocate. The jaws may be moved between a jawnominal position, jaw clamped position, jaw spread position, or acombination thereof by the jaw arms.

The jaw nominal position may be a position where the jaws stop when noexternal forces are applied to the jaws. The jaw nominal position mayhave the jaws separated by a distance. The jaw nominal position may havethe jaws open. The jaw nominal position may have the jaws separated by adistance that is sufficiently large that a vein, artery, tissue, cyst,anatomical feature, feature of interest, or a combination thereof mayfit between the jaws. The jaw nominal position may be where the movementactuator is at rest. The jaw nominal position may be where the forces ofthe return bias member and the stop bias member are equalized. In thejaw nominal position the jaws may be separated by a distance of about 10cm or less, about 7 cm or less, or about 5 cm or less. In the jawnominal position the jaws may be separated by about 5 mm or more, about1 cm or more, or about 2 cm or more. The jaw nominal position may bewhen the jaws are between a jaw clamped position and a jaw spreadposition.

The jaw clamped position may be a position where the jaws are incontact; a vein, artery, tissue, cyst, anatomical feature, feature ofinterest, or a combination thereof is between the jaws; the clamp leveris moved towards the fixed handle; or a combination thereof. The jawclamped position may be any position where the jaws are moved towardseach other from the jaw nominal position. The jaw clamped position maybe where the jaws are moved towards each other and a feature is heldbetween the jaws and the jaws are restricted from closing further. Thejaw clamped position may have a distance between the jaws of about 2 cmor less, about 1 cm or less, 5 mm or less, 1 mm or less, or the jaws arein contact.

The jaw spread position may be a position where the jaws are spacedapart a distance greater than a position where the jaws are in the jawnominal position. The jaw spread position may be where a force isexerted upon the jaws in a direction opposing the jaw clamped position.The jaw spread position may be where the jaws are spread so that thejaws may be used for dissection, movement, or both of an anatomicalfeature or a feature of interest. The jaw spread position may be wherethe jaws are located a distance apart that is of the jaw nominalposition plus about 1 mm or more, about 3 mm or more, about 5 mm ormore, about 7 mm or more, or about 1 cm or more. The jaw spread positionmay be the jaws located the jaws clamped position apart plus about 10 cmor less, about 7 cm or less, about 5 cm apart or less, or about 3 cmapart or less.

FIG. 1A is a side view of a surgical device 2 (which is anelectrosurgical device as shown). The surgical device 2 includes ahandpiece 16 connected to a stylet 40. The handpiece 16 includes a fixedhandle 4 proximate to a trigger 6 and a clamp lever 8 that are eachindividually movable relative to the fixed handle 4. The trigger 6 andthe clamp lever 8 extend from the housing 10 and are connected to thesurgical device 2 within the housing 10. The stylet 40 extends from thehousing 10 in a distal direction. The stylet 40 includes an outer tube42 having forceps 14 that extend from the outer tube 42. The forceps 14include a pair of jaws 60 that are resilient.

FIG. 1B is a side view of a surgical device 2. The surgical device 2includes a handpiece 16 connected to a stylet 40. The handpiece 16includes a fixed handle 4 proximate to a trigger 6 and a clamp lever 8that are each individually movable relative to the fixed handle 4 withthe trigger 6 and clamp lever 8 being connected to the handpiece 16 by ahousing 10. A stylet 40 extends from the housing 10 in a distaldirection and includes an outer tube 42. The jaws 60 of the forceps 14extend out of the outer tube 42, with the jaws 60 being rigid body jaws60.

FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical device 2 of FIG.1A cut along lines Il-Il. The surgical device 2 includes a housing 10with a fixed handle 4, a trigger 6, and clamp lever 8. The clamp lever 8is connected to an actuator 20 and the housing 10. The actuator 20 iscoupled to a jaw arm 62 and is located between a return bias member 22and a stop bias member 24 so that when the clamp lever 8 is moved in afirst direction the jaw arm 62 compresses the return bias member 22moving the jaw arm 62 in a first direction and when the clamp lever 8 ismoved in a second direction the stop bias member 24 is compressed andthe jaw arm 62 is moved in a second direction. The actuator 20 includesa movement actuator 26 that is connected to the housing 10 by agrounding member 12 at an end opposite of end that is in communicationwith the clamp lever 8. The stylet 40 includes a jaw arm 62 locatedwithin an outer tube 42.

FIG. 2B illustrates an operable mechanism 30 located within thehandpiece 16. The handpiece 16 includes a housing 10 that forms aportion of the operable mechanism 30. The operable mechanism 30 is anactuator 20 that includes a movement actuator 26 and a coupler 28connected to the clamp lever 8. The movement actuator 26, coupler 28,and clamp lever 8 each include a rotational axis 80 that each respectivemember pivots around when moved between positions. The rotational axis80 of the movement actuator 26 is a grounding member 12. As shown, themovement actuator 26 is moved and angled (α′) relative to the verticalnominal axis 90 to a clamped axis 94. The coupler 28 is moved so that anangle (β′) is located between the clamped axis 94 of the movementactuator 26 and the coupler 28. The clamp lever 8 is moved so that aclamped axis 94 of the clamp lever 8 is located at an angle (γ′) fromthe clamped axis of the coupler. The clamp lever 8 in the clampedposition is located an angle (δ′) from the horizontal nominal axis 92and the clamp lever 8 moves away from the trigger 6 and towards thefixed handle 4.

FIG. 2C illustrates an operable mechanism 30 located within thehandpiece 16 when the jaws (not shown) are moved to the jaw spreadposition. The handpiece 16 includes a housing 10 that forms a portion ofthe operable mechanism 30. The operable mechanism 30 is an actuator 20that includes a movement actuator 26 and a coupler 28 connected to theclamp lever 8. The movement actuator 26, coupler 28, and clamp lever 8each include a rotational axis 80 that each respective member pivotsaround when moved between positions. The rotational axis 80 of themovement actuator 26 is a grounding member 12. As shown, the movementactuator 26 is moved and angle (α″) relative to the vertical nominalaxis 90 to a spread axis 96. The coupler 28 is moved so that an angle(β″) is located between the spread axis 96 of the movement actuator 26and the coupler 28. The clamp lever 8 is moved so that a spread axis 96of the clamp lever 8 is located at an angle (γ″) from the clamped axisof the coupler. The clamp lever 8 in the spread position is located anangle (δ″) from the horizontal nominal axis 92 and the clamp lever 8moves towards the trigger 6 and away from the fixed handle 4.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of jaws 60 of theforceps 14 extending from an outer tube 42. The jaws 60 are in the jawnominal position 100 where the jaws 60 are separated by a distance (X).The jaws 60 are connected to the clamp lever (not shown) by jaw arm 62that extends through the inner tube 44 and the outer tube 42. The jawarm 62 actuates both jaws 60 when the clamp lever (not shown) is moved.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the jaws 60 of the forceps 14 beingin a jaw clamped position 102.

FIG. 3C is a side view of the jaws 60 of the forceps 14 in a jaw spreadposition 104 where the jaws 60 are opened a distance (X′) which isgreater than the distance (X) of the jaw nominal position as isillustrated in FIG. 3A.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of theelements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term “may”herein, it is intended that any described attributes that “may” beincluded are optional.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theteachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

2 Surgical device

4 Fixed handle

6 Trigger

8 Clamp lever

10 Housing

12 Grounding member

14 Forceps

16 handpiece

20 Actuator

22 return bias member

24 Stop bias member

26 Movement Actuator

28 Coupler

30 Operable mechanism

40 Stylet

42 Outer tube

44 Inner tube

60 Jaws

62 Jaw arm

80 Rotational axis

90 Vertical Nominal axis

92 Horizontal nominal axis

94 Clamped axis

96 Spread axis

100 Jaw Nominal position

102 Jaw Clamped position

104 Jaw spread position

1. A surgical device comprising: a first jaw; a second jaw opposing thefirst jaw, the first jaw, the second jaw, or both being movable relativeto one another between a jaw nominal position and a jaw clampedposition; a clamp lever operable for moving the first jaw, the secondjaw, or both from the jaw nominal position to the jaw clamped positionwhen an external force is imparted upon the clamp lever in a firstdirection; and a stop bias member that stops movement of the clamp leverwhen the external force is removed so that the first jaw and the secondjaw are in the jaw nominal position at rest.
 2. The surgical device ofclaim 1, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are movable from thejaw nominal position to a jaw spread position when the clamp lever ismoved in a second direction that opposes the first direction by anexternal force deforming the stop bias member so that a distance betweenthe first jaw and the second jaw is larger in the jaw spread positionthan in the jaw nominal position.
 3. The surgical device of claim 2,further comprising a fixed handle, wherein the clamp lever is movablerelative to the fixed handle in the first direction and the seconddirection.
 4. The surgical device of claim 3, wherein the fixed handleis part of a housing and the clamp lever is movably connected to thehousing.
 5. The surgical device of claim 1, further comprising a returnbias member.
 6. The surgical device of claim 5, wherein the return biasmember provides a force in a first direction and the stop bias memberprovides a force in a second direction that opposes the return biasmember force so that a net force is zero.
 7. The surgical device ofclaim 1, wherein the stop bias member has a pre-load.
 8. The surgicaldevice of claim 1, wherein the stop bias member is a compression springor a compliant plug.
 9. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein theclamp lever is connected to one or more actuators.
 10. The surgicaldevice of claim 9, wherein the one or more actuators are connected toone or more inner tubes and movement of the one or more actuators movesthe one or more inner tubes and the first jaw, the second jaw, or both.11. A surgical device comprising: a handpiece; a first j aw; a secondjaw opposing the first jaw, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw aremovable relative to one another between a jaw nominal position and a jawclamped position; a movable clamp lever extending from the handpiece andoperable to control relative movement of the first jaw and the secondjaw from the jaw nominal position to the jaw clamped position when theclamp lever is actuated in a first direction; and a stop bias memberthat stops movement of the clamp lever when the actuation of the clamplever in the first direction is ceased so that the first jaw and thesecond jaw are in the jaw nominal position at rest.
 12. The surgicaldevice of claim 11, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are movablefrom the jaw nominal position to a jaw spread position when the clamplever is actuated in a second direction that opposes the firstdirection.
 13. The surgical device of claim 12, wherein actuating theclamp lever in the second direction deforms the stop bias member so thata distance between the first jaw and the second jaw is larger in the jawspread position than in the jaw nominal position.
 14. The surgicaldevice of claim 11, further comprising a return bias member.
 15. Thesurgical device of claim 14, wherein the return bias member provides aforce in a first direction and the stop bias member provides a force ina second direction that opposes the return bias member force so that anet force is zero.
 16. The surgical device of claim 14, wherein thereturn bias member is a spring.
 17. The surgical device of claim 14,wherein the return bias member has a pre-load in the jaw nominalposition.
 18. A surgical device comprising: a first j aw; a second jawopposing the first jaw, the first jaw, the second jaw, or both beingmovable relative to one another between a jaw nominal position and a jawclamped position; a clamp lever operable for moving the first jaw, thesecond jaw, or both from the jaw nominal position to the jaw clampedposition when an external force is imparted upon the clamp lever in afirst direction; a stop bias member that stops movement of the clamplever when the external force is removed so that the first jaw and thesecond jaw are in the jaw nominal position at rest; and a return biasmember.
 19. The surgical device of claim 18, wherein the return biasmember provides a force in a first direction and the stop bias memberprovides a force in a second direction that opposes the return biasmember force so that a net force is zero.
 20. The surgical device ofclaim 18, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are movable from thejaw nominal position to a jaw spread position when the clamp lever ismoved in a second direction that opposes the first direction so that adistance between the first jaw and the second jaw is larger in the jawspread position than in the jaw nominal position.